What is Search 3.0? It’s Search 2.0 with a brain
We have been poking around the blogosphere for ideas about what Search 3.0 might look like. This post examines Nova Spivack’s concept of Web 3.0, which I think we can rephrase as Search 3.0 and still maintain the essential template which is that using decades as the defining demarcation points makes good sense.
He says in a VentureBeat article, “I think we’re on the cusp of it, but the main part of Web 3.0 will be this coming decade. I think of it as the third decade of the web. Web 1.0 was 1990 to 2000, Web 2.0 is probably up to 2010. So Web 3.0 will be 2010 to 2020.” He illustrates it this way:
Here are two other definitions of “Search 3.0″ by me and by Danny Sullivan.
A few days ago I sketched out my definition of Search 3.0.
It went like this:
Search 1.0 = a linear set of results, like Google’s.
Search 2.0 = 2-D results, like a map or tag cloud.
Search 3.0 = the new 3-D “look,” like SearchMe.
Search 4.0 adds continuous updating, or “time.”
Well, over at Search Engine Land, Danny Sullivan revealed his scheme for Search 3.0. NOTE: To participate in this on-going discussion of Search 3.0 definitions, you really must read his article in its entirety by clicking HERE.
Here is Danny Sullivan’s bare outline:
Search 1.0 (1996): Pages ranked using “on-the-page” criteria
Search 2.0 (1998): Pages ranked using “off-the-page” criteria
Search 3.0 (2007): Vertical search results blended into regular search results
Search 4.0 The Human Factor
“Overall, there’s a role for humans, a way for them to be in the search process to enhance results. Actually, there will be several ways for them to be involved. Exactly how remains to be seen, of course. Of the things I’ve outlined, personalized search, social search, human editors — I think personalized search is the one that will emerge as the major part of Search 4.0. That’s not to discount other things being tried, and they’ll contribute in some ways. But to me, personalized search has the most potential for another big relevancy leap.”
Now you have 3 definitions of Search 3.0 - any thoughts?
Feel free to share your definition of Search 3.0, etc.!
July 1st, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I think that Search 3.0 covers a wide variety of modern features, where both Charles’s and Danny’s definitions fit nicely. I would also add semantic search, although it will probably flourish fully in Search 4.0 phase. In my opinion the “Human Factor” in Search 4.0 will include semantics, i.e. understanding the intent of the user’s query, and presenting the found content in a way suited for best perception by a given user.